Research Assistant

About Us

The Ocular Cell and Gene Therapy Group is seeking to appoint an outstanding, skilled and ambitious Research Assistant to contribute to a programme of basic and translational research focussed on the development of clinical stem cell-based therapies for the treatment of blindness.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of basic and clinical research in a group that is at the forefront of developing novel therapies for retinal disorders, with a major emphasis on translating research into clinical application. The group is led by Professors Rachael Pearson and Robin Ali and is one of the largest cellular and gene therapy groups in the country. Over the past 20 years, the group has been optimising cell transplantation as part of a comprehensive programme of work to develop novel therapeutic approaches for eye disease and in particular for disorders affecting the retina, including inherited retinal degeneration (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/ocular-cell-and-gene-therapy-group). We are currently working up to conducting a first-in-man clinical trials for photoreceptor cell therapy and the successful applicant will play a key role in pre-clinical development work for this trial.

This project is funded by a new UKRI MRC project grant aiming to employ developmental signals to improve photoreceptor transplantation outcome for treating sight-loss. This is an exciting research project with excellent training opportunities in a diverse set of skills including retinal electrophysiology, computational analytical methods, stem cell culture, immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging. 

About the role

The post-holder will support the Principal Investigators and lead post-doc on a new MRC funded project looking to characterise the vision restored by photoreceptor transplantation and develop ways to improve it. The project encompasses diverse techniques and will involve electrophysiological recordings of the retina and brain, as well as stem cell culture, histology, and confocal imaging. We seek an individual with a strong interest in neuroscience and demonstrable cellular and molecular laboratory skills and experience and expertise in sample and tissue handling, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative PCR. Experience in cell culture and associated aseptic procedures is required and excellent attention to detail and meticulous record keeping is essential. Experience in neuro-electrophysiology would be a distinct advantage, but training will be provided. There is opportunity to perform &/or assist with experimental animal procedures including transplantation surgical procedures, imaging, and a variety of predominantly non-invasive assessments of visual function. The post holder will work in a collaborative team environment with very high potential to learn new skills. Relevant experience is required but full training will be provided.

This is a full-time position and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31st July 2029

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the  Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the  Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

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